St Andrews Bank of Scotland Branch To Close

Lloyds Banking Group has announced the closure of 49 locations nationwide, including the St Andrews Bank of Scotland branch on the corner of Queen’s Gardens and South Street. The bank is set to close 20 January 2026, with wider closures affecting Bank of Scotland, Lloyds Bank, and Halifax locations across the UK. 

Bank of Scotland has attributed the closure of the St Andrews branch to a decrease in the number of customers who utilise the in-person banking service. 

A spokesperson from the Bank of Scotland commented on the decision to close the branch: “The way people are banking has changed, as more than ever, customers are choosing to manage their money through our app. The local Post Office offers everyday banking, with cash also available at close by free-to-use ATMs. Customers can also manage their money on our app, online, or by calling us.”

The company, which operates as part of the Lloyds Banking Group, released a document to the public with further details about the branch’s closure. The report includes statistics about the branch’s current customer demographics, the most relevant of which include the facts that “39% of personal customers have also used other Bank of Scotland branches in a twelve-month period, ending May 2025” and “70% of customers have also used other Bank of Scotland branches, and online banking or called us in a six-month period, ending May 2025.” Meanwhile, only “20% of personal customers have used the closing branch and the Post Office® in a twelve-month period, ending May 2025.”

Although these figures could suggest that in-person banking — and by extension the St Andrews branch — is no longer essential, political opinion appears to differ.

In an article published by Fife Today, North East Fife’s MP Wendy Chamberlain and MSP Willie Rennie expressed concern for the communities affected by the branch closures.

Recently, MP Chamberlain has been campaigning for greater access to cash, urging banking companies to reopen shut branches in the interest of North East Fife locals.

“Although I’m aware of a new cash machine being installed in the Spar in St Andrews, this closure will still be a huge blow to those who rely on in-person banking services,” MP Chamberlain said. “Access to cash and in-person banking remains vital for many people in our communities, particularly older residents, small businesses, and those who are less confident with digital banking.”

The St Andrews branch serves customers ranging from under eighteen to over 75. The most common bracket is those aged 55 to 74, who account for 31% of customers. The second largest group, at 28%, is eighteen to 34-year-olds — a figure likely influenced by the town’s student population.

Students are also expected to feel the impact of the branch closure. For many — particularly international students, who make up approximately 39% of the University’s student population according to UCAS — navigating personal banking can already be challenging. The loss of the local branch may complicate matters further for those who prefer or require in-person assistance. In addition, student societies that manage finances through the Bank of Scotland could also be affected.

The Bank of Scotland maintains that mobile or online banking and phone calls supply all of the resources needed for customers to manage their accounts and financial information. More information about banking after the closure of the St Andrews branch can be found here. kofscotland.co.uk/branchfinde